I do not provide full synopses of the movies I review here; The Internet Movie Database does a fine job of presenting that sort of information. The idea of this page is that if you're the type of person who's drawn to these sorts of flicks, I wanted to provide you with a list of movies that aren't as racist, homophobic, classist or sexist as some of the others. I guess I want to save you from having to spend all night and into the next morning trying to explain to your friends, well-meaning as they may be, how some particular movie is irredeemably offensive.
Let me first say this, I'm crazy. I mean I'm completely out of my feckin' mind. My taste, while not criminal in most western nations, do border on the truly bizarre. White girls, even the supposedly enlightened ones, think I'm "scary." And black girls think that, I'm "so crazy. "(Sadly enough, I've not found any that, "Wanna have my Baby.") So, when you read the following, don't think that I'm coming from some prudish, regimented frame of mind.
I can not recommend any Italian zombie movies!
Even if you are feeling bored, bold or extremely forgiving, I recommend that you avoid these at all cost. Unlike those of the excellent George Romero, most of these are voodoo based zombies. I've found most of these movies to be shamelessly backward in their treatment of both Africans and women. Even if you are offered money, good money, think twice before sitting down to one of these.
Now, suppose Tracy Chapman, Angela Bassett, Alfrie Woodard, C.C. H. Pounder, Tyra Banks and ALL of the women at any given Michigan Women's Music festival offer to perform a sexual circus and actions unspeakable for your pleasure if you'd just sit through "Doctor Butcher" (and/or the rest of its ilk). You must decline! I implore you, FIGHT the urge to say 'hell yes.' I hold the same sentiments for the majority (not all! ) of Japan-amie. Unless you feel the need to arouse a killing rage against all faucets of the dominant culture --including possibly one's friends or one's partner, avoid these! To me, the violence against women in these productions overshadow any of their redeeming qualities.
That said, one may look at my list and wonder why I chose these while panning others. The answer is that my choices are totally subjective. As a weird, bespectacled, African-American lesbian of decidedly different sensibilities, I found the flicks listed here to be not as painfully looksist,racist, classist, homophobic, sexist, etc. as certain others. Now how's that for a ringing endorsement!
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" Matters of the Heart"
Click title to listen! Artist: Tracy Chapman Album: Matters of the Heart
The trick to this beautiful song is to imagine every heartbreaking moment you've ever had in your love life. This song is a tribute to those arguments in the parking lot of the bar. Watching her walk away and knowing that you can't keep following her because you know where she's going. Or, when after a couple beers, you finally took that chance and told her that you love her. And then, you've got to force a smile and play it off so that she can't see the depth of your pain. This is the song about walking around in the freezing rain with your coat open and not feeling a thing because you saw her kissing him. This is the song to hear when such memories play in your head like a movie and you can smile a sweet sad smile for the main character, cause its you.
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Cool links
Something Weird Video Click name to link!
If it's odd, old, foul and probably better left unseen, then you'll find it here. I tell these folks have it all!
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Axe
dir. Frederick P. Friedel
Year: 1985
Wondering why so many rap, rock and country music singers denigrate women? Well then just go up
and politely AXE them! This is among my top 10 favorite flicks of all time. It's a rape/revenge movie. I
must admit that I fast forwarded to the revenge section (What can I say, I like to get to the good
parts.) This movie's got some of the coolest sound effects. During the revenge section of the movie,
the dull thwup of the axe is like slow, sensual, rhythmic music. Almost ceremonial. See this one when
you're fed up with the patriarchy!
Motel Hell
dir: Kevin Connor
Year: 1974
"Meat's meat and man's gotta' eat!" Thankfully, there are no black lesbians in this flick. This is classic
'fun' horror.
See white people cannibalize each other!!
Slumber Party Massacre
dir: Amy Jones
Yr: 1982
Ooh Baby! O.K. This one's special in that its screenplay was written by Rita Mae Brown of "Rubyfruit Jungle"
fame. Yep, she actually wrote a slasher flick!! I didn't believe it at first either.
Being a tool dyke, I felt inspired to purchase a nice auger bit, same as you see in the film. Also, I couldn't help
but be impressed at how much this drill could do, given that the killer probably didn't re-charge the battery
between kills. I was also amazed at how he never had to stop and tighten the chuck. And I know this guy's
probably exceeded the drill's HP rating several times, yet still he's not burned out his motor-- maybe he
conscientiously oiled the bearings and put new brushes on his motor before heading out for his busy night. I
can't tell, but it looks like he's got a Ryobi; I'm a Black and Decker woman, myself.
Back to the movie. Brown follows the slasher formula well and adds a sprinkling of lesbionic hotness. Although
we don't exist in this one either, there is a 'slippery-fine' group shower scene. Enjoy!
Godmonster of Indian Flats
dir: Fredric Hobbs
Yr: 1970
This flick speaks volumes of social commentary. There is an African-american male character. Don't
see this one if you're feeling irritable, have access to weapons or if you're spending the evening
with someone to which you'll have to "explain things." This movie does a good job and has an edge
to it. I really don't want to spoil this one. I will, however, say that it's sometimes painful to watch
despite the silly monster.
May
dir: Lucky McKee
year: 2002
Whew! This picture is one of my top 5 favorites of all time. That speaks volumes regarding my delightful disturb
ed state of mind :) This one is scary in that sometimes, you really, really can identify with the killer. If you're
an extremely introverted, social-phobic, terribly creative type who's already on the edge, then make sure
you're naked and taking notes while you're watching this one.
Chained Girls
dir: Joseph P. Mawra
Year: 1965
This movie has to it the old, grand style of a genuine sexploitation flick. Be prepared to work you irony
muscles on this one as you embark on your journey through this amazingly bad, incredibly poorly filmed
stereo-typing schlock-fest. See us lesbians as you've never seen us before (and as you'll never want to see
us again.) It is hilarious. But like most of the flicks listed here, you'll have to be more in the mood to giggle
than to gripe. Seriously, don't watch this if you're feeling vulnerable. I suggest you open a bottle of cheap
wine, invite over some of your quick-witted lesbian friends and enjoy this "movie."
Have fun with it. "Something Weird Video" released this movie on DVD and I gotta' tell you, these folks
provide a lot of bang for the buck. Make sure you check out the extras. And watch the other feature film on
this disc. Skip over the first two chapters and chapter 7; indicative of a lot of movies from this time period,
there are the obligatory rape scenes. Though the castration scene at the end is somewhat satisfying, you
don't need to see the rape scenes in order to make it work. As if one ever really needs a reason to justify
castration, Ha! (just kidding, Geez Already!)
Night of the Living Dead
George Romero
1968
In this film, you'll find one of the greatest horror films of the contemporary era! I had the
privilege of meeting Mr. Romero at a horror movie marathon and I must say that he is both an
artist and a gentleman. Aside from having an intelligent African-american lead character, he
pushes the envelope regarding the racial mores of the time in which the film was made. Not only
is this beautifully shot, but its script is among best written and well acted you'll find in this genre.
If you haven't already, please do yourself a favor and see this film. After this, see DAWN OF THE
DEAD! ( the original, then the re-make ) It can be argued that DAWN is even better than NIGHT.
"Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover"
Click Title to Listen!
By: the redoubtable Sophie B.Hawkins Album: Tongues and Tails
Buy the CD!
This classic tune from the early 1990's is also available on The Best of Sophie B Hawkins. Believe it or not, she's still rolling! I think she just got off tour, or something. I've listed here a link to a site kept up by her very devoted fans. Sophie Site She looks so much like my very first love back in grade school ( I was a kid, what the hell did I know) ; my guess is that she's probably just as dangerous! Anyway, Sophie B. will always be one of my very favorite 'crazy white gurrls!'
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"Androgyny"
BY: Garbage
BUY THE CD! Album: beautifulgarbage
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Nick Knight
dir: Farhad Mann
Year: 1989
This movie was actually made into a short run TV series during the early 1990's.
In fact, the first two episodes are almost word for word the movie's script. This is
fun fluff. Rick Springfield fans, (come on, I know you're out there!) will enjoy
seeing him give a pretty good performance.
Chopper Chics in Zombietown
dir: Dan Hoskins
year: (see imdb) its a Troma release, of course
This flick is so damn perfect in that it's almost self aware.
It's cool how the biker with a confederate flag gets it nasty. The famous Billy Bob Thorton does a pretty good
job of acting. There are a couple surprises that I can't disclose without spoiling it. All in all, not a bad waste of
time.
Extra Weird: A sampler of the Weirdest DVD Collection on Earth
Released by: Something Weird Video
Year: 2002
This is a gold mine of the fantastic and the foul! Oh, man, there are so many
truly bad flicks out there! This DVD contains trailers from some of the worst
movies ever put to film. I Love It! If you are a part of the target audience for
this site, I promise you, you'll love this tasty sampler. Go to the Something
Weird Video site! They have so many more movies that aren't represented on
this DVD. If it's old, odd, foul,or funny in 'gallows humor' sort of way, then
they've got it!